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Amber warning for snow, travel disruption likely

The weather is expected to worsen around five o’clock this evening and Police are advising that there will be a high risk of disruption for road journeys across the country and people should consider spreading out or staggering their journeys across the peak periods

Ministers are receiving regular and detailed updates on preparations for the severe weather through the Scottish Government’s resilience team, which is actively monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with its partners across the country.

Transport Scotland is working with partner organisations, like Police Scotland and the transport operators, to try to mitigate the effects of the wintry conditions. Efforts are being co-ordinated from the National Traffic Control Centre in South Queensferry, where the Multi Agency Response Team has been in operation since six o’clock this morning.

The Trunk Road Operating Companies have the winter fleets out across the country, with teams treating and patrolling the roads to react to any incidents, but conditions are expected to be changeable and motorists should follow police advice.

Passengers should check their travel operator’s website before they leave and be mindful that conditions are expected to get worse into Wednesday afternoon.

Transport Minister, Derek Mackay said:

“A wide range of agencies and organisations have their response plans in action to try to mitigate the effects of this latest set of wintry conditions but we are expecting disruption to the transport network.

“Gritters and patrols are out across the day and we have plenty of salt available. The winter control rooms are monitoring conditions 24/7 to ensure that the fleet is treating and patrolling where required but we would ask people to listen to police advice regarding the high risk of disruption.

“Drivers should check their route is available, leave some extra time for their journeys and make sure their vehicle is well maintained with an emergency kit. Live information on conditions is available on the Traffic Scotland Twitter feed, smartphone App, internet radio and website.

“The advice is the same for those intending to use public transport. Passengers should check their travel operator’s website before they leave and be mindful that conditions are expected to deteriorate.”

"Police Scotland is urging motorists to heed the weather warnings that have been issued. Our crews will be patrolling the road network in order to keep people safe but we advise motorists to drive with extra caution in what could be very difficult very localised conditions.

"If you are travelling you should ensure that you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions. Make sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours. Charge your mobile phone and plan your route as well as alternative routes."